Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Preview

(L to R) Mariachi performer Simplemente Bella, poses with Emmanuel Martinez and Lisa Casimiro. All three will be part of the Dia de los Muertos celebration at Poncitlan Square on October 30th.

PALMDALE – The Antelope Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is inviting the entire community to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, a 3000-year-old Mexican tradition that reunites and honors beloved ancestors, family and friends.

“In Mexican culture, death does not yield a mysterious and fearful presence, but a realistic recognizable character as much a part of life as life itself,” said AVHCC Secretary Rodrigo Venegas. “Dia de los Muertos expresses these perspectives. It is not a morbid commemoration, but a happy and colorful celebration where death takes a lively, friendly expression and is not frightening or strange.”

The AVHCC announce details of the Dia de los Muertos celebration at a press conference Thursday.

The Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, October 30th at Poncitlan Square in Palmdale. The event will feature lots of children’s activities, face painting, a hand drawn art contest, a variety of foods, and cultural dancers. There will also be special guests performances from Simplemente Bella (Simply Beautiful), Grupo Basucazo, and Banda Sensacion Del Valle.

“This is a great opportunity to discover,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford.